Buffalo Bills: the Blame Game

by Steve

If I had to guess, 95% of the people that read this blog think that Stevie Johnson's touchdown celebration was one of the funniest in recent memory. Every time I think about him pretending to shoot himself in the leg IN New York against Plax on the anniversary of the incident I can not help but laugh. Then I remember SJ13's drop, the Bills losing yet another game to the Jets, 28-24, and another season up in smoke. Yup, time to play the blame game.

Jeez, is it really tooooo much to ask to have meaningful Bills games in December in Buffalo? Man are we paying dearly for 13ish years of good/great football from 1987-1999. TWELVE FUCKING SEASONS WITHOUT THE PLAYOFFS?!?!

Stevie Johnson has dropped more balls than the Baby One More Time video, our coaching is inept and the talent level is more embarrassing than listening to Coldplay. Seriously how can a defense be so god awful? Not to mention a consistent plethora of injuries (which I agree with Coast it is because of a lower talent level).

First of all the Johnson celebration. It was a thing of beauty. The only problem I had with it was the dumb ass claimed he didn't know the NFL rule stating you can not go to the ground during a celebration. I call bullshit. He knew and he didn't even have to add the crashing Jet shit. (Oh and this was an obvious thing the players talked about doing because Drayton Florence did the same thing after his interception.) At least crash on the sidelines so it isn't a penalty. Amateur.

Next came the squib kick. I don't care that the Jets are the best or one of the best kick off return teams in the league. Kick the ball down field and at worst use a god damn player that can execute a routine squib. And don't tell me because he wasn't on a roster he may not have squib kicked in years, they practice that shit. PEACE OUT BRUCE DEHAVEN

Why didn't Chain Gailey challenge the obvious trap catch by Plaxico Buress? It seemed pretty god damn clear to me. I would have even strongly considered the acrobatic near-catch Johnson had in the 4th quarter on the sidelines too. Challenges are much less value today than they were in previous years because all scores are reviewed. Throw the god damn red flag. Also on Gailey, what was that 3rd down run with Tashard Choice? The guy had one carry for nothing previous to that why give him the rock in that situation?

Back to the defense, how can players be so wide open in the end zone as Burress and Dustin Kellar were on those touchdowns? This 3-4 defense needs to be obliterated and converted to a 4-3. Also cut anyone in the front seven not drafted in the last two years or named Barnett/Williams and start from scratch. They are so useless and inept at getting to the quarterback we have to blitz when we clearly do not know how to and certainly do not know how to disguise it. PEACE THE EFF OUT GEORGE EDWARDS.

That Drayton Florence corner blitz on 3rd and 11 was one of the worst in recent memory. It was poorly executed by the safety and the Florence and it was poorly schemed by the coaches. It was clear to everyone including ol' Sanchize and he burned us on it despite an awful throw.

Two players emerge from the blame game nearly unscathed, Cliff Spiller and Ryan Fitzy Fitz Noodle Arm Fitzpatrick. Yes neither played great but their expectations were so low they actually exceeded mine Sunday. Fitz didn't turn the ball over once, made a few great plays but showed his modest ceiling. That throw to Brad Smith in the endzone on the last drive was nearly perfect but the defender just made a better play. Also he found SJ13 wide open in the middle of the field and hit him seemingly in stride. Then went on to completely whiff and miss him wide open in the endzone and made a terrible and rushed throw on 4th down. Ouch. Spiller hit some holes, missed some holes, had a real nice catch and should have been more involved in the passing game. Also he picked up blitzes quite well. Still a bust though.

And lastly, Stevie Johnson, and you want to be my latex salesman. The guy is funny, charismatic, the only star player on the team and does and says crazy/dumb shit all the time. I love and hate him more than any player in a long time. He can't catch or break tackles yet completely pwn'd the best CB in football? He blames god and denies dropping clearly dropped balls but performed one of the best TD celebrations possibly ever? Don't throw to the guy the rest of the season to drive down his price and pay the may decent #1 WR money (15-30th) even though I don't truly believe he is a #1. We eventually have to spend the money so why not keep our own guys (plus I'm sick of hearing players we develop get interviewed on Jim Rome playing for other teams [Jabari Greer, Pat Williams, Jim Leonhard, Antoine Winfield etc])

I ain't scared of anyone left on the schedule not counting the Bills. 8-8... and progress?

Another disappointing loss - Jets 28 Bills 24

-Coast

I would almost prefer a blowout. These gut wrenching losses have gotten old over the years. The Bills had no business losing this game. The Bills held the ball for 36:11 and won the turnover battle 2-0 which are two key pieces to winning road games in this league. Of course, the Bills found other ways to lose.

Let's start with what everyone is talking about, the Stevie Johnson touchdown celebration. People are blaming Stevie's TD celebration for the loss to some extent. I think that is simply ridiculous. The touchdown celebration may have been a little classless (although I thought it was comical) and warranted the 15 yard penalty. The Bills then had to kickoff from the 20 instead of the 35. Rayner's kickoff looked like it was intended to be a squib kick (not sure why they would squib it) except it was mishit, hit a Jet and was recovered deep in Bills territory. Rayner needs to just execute a normal kickoff here. If Rayner just kicks it away, the Jets returner probably catches the ball around the 15 yard line and returns it to the 35 (this would be the most likely scenario statistically). Even if we do kick it away and don't screw up whatever we were trying to do, what makes anyone think that our defense would actually stop the Jets? Every time the Jets got the ball, I fully expected a touchdown, after all, the Bills have allowed 14 touchdowns in the past 3 games. The Bills just don't stop anyone.

The main reason for the Bills loss, as I mentioned before, is the complete ineptitude on defense. This couldn't have been more obvious than on the last possession for the Jets. The Jets marched 82 yards in 4:43 to take the lead. They converted two third and longs including a 3rd and 11 to Plaxico Burress. This play is getting the most attention and criticism from the media after the game. The Bills decided to blitz Sanchez, who looked shaky the entire game. Sanchez just chucked the ball up to Burress who made a great one handed catch.

Some people are saying the Bills shouldn't have blitzed. The point of a blitz is to get pressure on the quarterback and force him into a quick decision. The Bills cannot pressure any quarterback. The Bills can't get a pass rush when they rush 3, 4 or 7 players. The Bills had 0 sacks on Sanchez the entire game. So yes, I agree, when you can't get pressure even when you blitz, why blitz? The Bills should have dropped as many players into coverage as they possibly could to make Sanchez make a good accurate throw and good decision to complete the first down. Sanchez was bailed out by a terrible defensive play call...he didn't even have to think on this play. The Bills blitzed, he saw man coverage with Burress on a safety, and threw the ball up in the air. This is easy for a quarterback who isn't the most accurate and doesn't make great decisions. If the Bills drop in coverage, Sanchez could make a bad decision and throw an INT or throw it underneath forcing a long field goal attempt to tie the game. Just poor, poor coaching in what seems like an obvious situation.

While the defense was the major culprit in today's loss, you can't ignore the shortcomings of the offense on the final drive of the game. The Bills did a good job to drive down the field into Jets territory to give themselves a shot and they had many shots at the win. Stevie Johnson wants to get paid as a number 1 receiver. Well, Stevie, you tell me a number 1 receiver in this league who has a drop even close to the magnitude of drops you have the past two seasons. You my friend have single handily lost the Buffalo Bills two football games the past two seasons.

Stevie Johnson was wide and I mean wide open on a deep slant route. Fitz delivered a perfect pass. Johnson just dropped it. He may have scored on the play. Worst case scenario, he would have been around the Jets' 10. Instead he just dropped it. His excuse after the game was that he didn't react fast enough. What? Catch the football you bum. People want to kill Stevie about the TD celebration...forget about that play and kill him for this drop. Absolutely inexcusable. A few plays later, Fitz had Johnson open in the end zone as he rolled to his right. He missed him. This was a tough throw, but was a throw you'd like your $59M quarterback to make with the game on the line. The fact is, Fitz is a mediocre player and this is a throw a mediocre player makes only some of the time. The last play of the game was just as bad. Fitz airmailed Johnson. He didn't even give him a chance to make a play and it looked like Johnson might have been open.

The Bills are now 5-6. They have a worse record than the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. The Bills play these two teams at home in December and who would have thought the Bills would have worse records than these two teams when they would play? The NFL really screwed the Bills over this year with the schedule, something we all talked about back in April. The Bills play 7 games in Orchard Park. 3 of them are meaningless and in December. No one is going to be at these games.

The Bills fought hard but in the end it's the same old story...the Bills snatched defeat from the jaws of victory yet again.

week 12 NFL picks

Steve (27-23-1) Best Bet 3-7
NY Giants +7 (away v New Orleans)
Atlanta -9.5 (Home v Minnesota)
Arizona +2 (Away v St Louis)
Carolina v Indianapolis under 46.5
Tennessee -3 (Home v Tampa Bay)


Wreck 26-22-2 (Best Bet 3-8)

Cleveland +7 (Away v Cincinnati)
NY Giants +7 (away v New Orleans)
Denver +5.5 (Away v San Diego)
Minnesota +9.5 (Away v Atlanta)
Buffalo (Away +9.5 v NY Jets)

The Bills have hit rock bottom

-Coast

The Bills have reached an all time low. Not only have they hit rock bottom on this 2011 season, but this recent 3 game stretch is the worst 3 game stretch in team history. The Bills have been outscored 106-26 in this 3 game debacle. Never in the history of the franchise have the Bills had a 3 game stretch where they have been outscored by more than 80 points. Not in the 3-13 2001 season. Not in any of the back to back 2-14 seasons in the 1980s. Not even in the 3 game stretch that included the 56-10 drubbing to New England on Sunday Night. The Bills went 1-13 in 1971 and 1-12-1 in 1968...they didn't have a 3 game stretch this bad in either of those years. The Bills have lost the last 3 games by 16, 37 and 28 points. The Bills once again have tricked us into believing...this year more than ever. I thought this team was different. I thought the players had heart. I really thought they had something special. Heart can't make up for a severe lack of talent and that is what this football team has. I predicted 5-11 before the season. This wasn't the way that I envisioned them getting to 5-11, but if I had to put my money on anything right now, it would be that they run the table in reverse.

The offensive line is decimated. Eric Wood's trip to the IR, again, has crippled us. Somehow we entered the season with one person that could play center. Did they think Eric Wood was invincible? He broke his leg in his career already. They cut the starting center from 2011. They said Hangartner was too weak...but we all know that in reality, they are pinching pennies. It's embarrassing. One center on a roster on an NFL team. Levitre failed miserably in his opportunity at the center position. He couldn't even snap the ball to Fitzpatrick. Now Urbik is going to get a chance. I am not expecting a much better result. We all feared the lack of depth on the offensive line. The starters weren't great and backups probably shouldn't be playing in the league. This is all coming back to haunt us now.

The receiving core has gotten killed with injuries. Remember when Roscoe Parrish played on this team? Will Marcus Easley ever remain healthy? Donald Jones joins them on the injured reserve leaving the Bills with players like Kamar Aiken and Derek Hagan on the 53 man roster. Yes, that is correct, our wide receiving core for this weeks game is Steve Johnson (who is not 100%), David Nelson (who got banged up last week), Naaman Roosevelt (is he the 2?), Ruvell Martin, Brad Smith, Kamar Aiken and Derek Hagan. At least we traded Evans. Revis and Chromartie need not dress for this one.

The best player on our team this year, Fred Jackson, is on the IR now. This will give Cliff an opportunity to show what he can do. I am predicting 5 carries for 4 yards for Spiller before we abandon the run down 28 in the 2nd quarter.

The defense isn't in much better shape...not only do they suck, but they have also suffered devastating injuries. If you asked me before the season who the two best players on our defense were, I probably would have said Shawne Merriman (and don't tell me you wouldn't have after watching him in the preseason) and Kyle Williams. They both are on IR. George Wilson has been a bright spot this season and is having a great year. He missed last weeks game, who knows what his status is. Kelsay has been in and out of the lineup. Terrance McGee is on the IR. 2nd round pick Aaron Williams has played in like 2 games. Puke.

Why are the Bills constantly decimated with injuries. Well, to me it is simple. The Bills lack talent. Their players are slower than their opponents. They are weaker and less physical. When you are outmatched physically, you have a better chance of getting injured and that is simply the problem for the Bills.

The Bills have 6 games left. They have road games vs. the Jets, Patriots and Chargers. They will lose all three. I don't care if San Diego is on a 7 game skid and has completely mailed it in by the time we play them, they will kill us. We play the Titans, Broncos and Dolphins at home. I don't see us winning any of those games. Tebow doesn't lose, the Titans are better and Miami, well we all watched last weeks game. The Bills are going to finish 5-11. They are going to pick 7th in the draft and will probably draft a running back. It's incredible how far this team has fallen in a 3 week span.

What about the

Boston Bruins v Buffalo Sabres preview

by Steve

Is this the biggest game of the year? This is the Buffalo Sabres freaking game six son. It is their Stanley Cup because lord knows this team aint winning shit this year. They're too soft, lack a legit center and have a head case of an over paid starting goalie.

Furthermore, Milan Lucic owns this franchise and this city. Is this not a shot at the Buffalo fans by Lucic, "Even the fans here in Buffalo are going to be excited for it" ? Ouch.

Even loser Lindy knows his team is soft and calling them out. "We have to play a real hard game. That's the message in all areas. Hard on the puck, hard getting it back, hard physically." Thanks for the insight Lindy now get back to squashing talent and ruining every player Darc brings in. (ouch a Darc defense)

The game isn't a must win for many reasons but what the Sabres have to do is get buck nasty and get grimy with it. They can't turtle again like a dong just out of a cold pool. That game ten days ago sent a clear message to the league that the team is still indeed soft and scared. Finesse and cute passes will work in the regular season but it clearly fails in the post season.

It is impossible to change the perception of the team in one game but it has to start at some point, who knows maybe tonight. Then start shipping out some of the bums as the trade deadline approaches and attain some go-hards.

Kyle Orton anyone?

Anyone up for the Buffalo Bills giving up on Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle-arm Fitzpatrick and claiming Kyle Orton off waivers?

$2.5 million is all it would cost ol' Ralphy boy. The Bills would have an earlier claim than both the Bears and Texans fwiw. Or is the season over?

Buffalo Bills could avoid paying Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Bills could potentially avoid paying Fitzy-fitz-noodle-arm $49 million of the reported $59 mil contract. Interesting story from PFT:

Per a league source, the Bills could trade or cut Fitzpatrick before the seventh day of the 2012 league year and owe him nothing further than the $3.22 million base salary he was already due to earn in 2011 and the $10 million signing bonus he was paid upon inking the new deal last month.

On the seventh day of the 2012 league year, the Bills owe Fitzpatrick a $5 million option bonus. If they don’t exercise the option, Fitzpatrick’s base salary for 2012 would increase from $2.8 million to $7.8 million, and it would be fully guaranteed for injury only.

In 2013, Fitzpatrick has a $3 million roster bonus, which also is guaranteed for injury only, along with a base salary of $4.25 million, $3.2 million of which is guaranteed for injury only.

In 2014, there’s another $3 million roster bonus (non-guaranteed) and a non-guaranteed base salary of $4.35 million.

For 2015, 2016, and 2017 Fitzpatrick has non-guaranteed base salaries of $7.2 million, $8.75 million, and $9.45 million, respectively.

Dolphins 35 Bills 8 F

by Steve

Maybe I'm an oracle because I was right three weeks ago after the Jets debacle that I proclaimed the season to be over and questioned whether we could win another game. Did the Bills really just lose to the Miami Dolphins by 27 points?

Holy shit that was a beat down. Blocked punts, INTs, injuries, huge hits, and everything that could go wrong went wrong. This team is despicable. They can't do anything right. The QB "ol noodle-arm" is about as accurate as a Billy Joel while trying to avoid hitting houses with his car.

Has Andy Levitre ever practiced at the center position? Jeez he looked he never hiked a football in his god damn life. That messes up the rythem that messes up the entire play and it happened on 90%+ of the snaps. Keep Geoff Hangartner or sign some over rated slash "wildcat" bum?

Is there one NFL caliber starter on that defense? Marcell Dareus maybe. Holy shit. This team has to have the worst depth in the history of professional sports. Just look at how pitiful the special teams is. I would say this team makes me sick if I wasn't so used to it.

Bring on the Jets 6-5 baby. Back in it next week.

Week 11 NFL picks

Steve 25-21 (Best Bet 3-6)

Buffalo +1.5 (Away V Miami)
Tennessee +6.5 (Away v Atlanta)
Cincinnati +7 (away v Baltimore)
Detroit - 7 (Home v Carolina)
Philadelphia v New York Giants over 47

Wreck 23-20-2 (Best Bet 3-7)

Buffalo +1.5 (Away v Miami)
Tampa +14.5 (Away v Green Bay)
Kansas City +15 (Away V New England)
Cleveland pick (Home v Jacksonville)
Washington +8 (Home v Dallas)

Worse contract Ville Leino or Christian Ehrhoff?

by Steve

The Buffalo Sabres lost yet again at home Wednesday this time at the hands of the mediocre New Jersey Devils 5-3. Jhonas Enroth finally lost and Martin Brodeur made it look like it was 1997 all over again. Yes the Buffalo Sabres are a train wreck at home and that is disconcerting but it is still 1/82. However, real question I have coming out of this latest debacle is why the hell is Darcy Regier still running the team?

Seriously what the hell has this guy done to deserve getting infinite lives as the Buffalo Sabres general manager? Yeah he acquired Chris Drury and Daniel Briere like a decade ago but jeez even they are either out of the league or playing for other teams and skipping the regular season.

This then leads to another question, who has the worse contract Ville Leino (6 years $27 million) or Christian Ehrhoff (10 years $40 million)? I mean this isn't baseball money or even NFL money this is the National Hockey League we're talking about that is a shit ton of cash(e).

Yeah the Sabres still have a good record but it isn't because of the moves the genius Darc made in the offseason sans purse strings. Leino is making $4.5 million per and is on pace for 10 goals this season and has three points in his last ten games. The guy is seemingly lost out there flailing around and laying all over the ice each shift. Does he think he is a zamboni? Oh wait let me guess, but but but he shows up in the playoffs! I guess I'll have to wait for April to get my moneys worth in all 5 or 6 games he'll get to play in.

The big bad defenseman Ehrhoff is a -4 and on pace for a measly five goals. Maybe his 2011 post season was more the rule than the exception. Or maybe we'll have to wait until he is 37, 38 or 39 to reap the benefits of Darc's aggressive contract offer to pay dividends. Or maybe all he has to do is get over his paralyzing fear to actually shoot the puck when he has a chance.

I won't discount the chance that either one or both of these players "snaps out of it" and vastly improves; but players like Brad Boyes, Dainius Zubrus and Steve Bernier are still hanging around Darc's neck like an albatross. Welcome to hockey heaven through the eyes of Darcy Regier.

Buffalo Bills failboat: the fall out

by Steve

Now that the Buffalo Bills are dead and gone yet again before Thanksgiving it is time to delve into the fall out of yet another debacle of a season. Of course we have to question everything from the GM to the coach to the quarterback.

I'm mean c'mon even Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle-arm knows the season is over, "nobody expects anything out of us again. The way we’ve played there’s not much expectation out there." Buddy "drawl" Nix screwed up over paying Fitzpatrick after a couple of solid wins and nothing else. This is too perfectly reminiscent of the debacle that was the Dick Jauron extension in 2008. When do we learn?

The Bills will be lucky to finish at .500 and if they lose this week @ Miami (Vegas thinks the 'phins are going to win [-2]) this franchise will be in 100% total meltdown mode. The Miami Dolphins are a bad football team with a nobody quarterback and a coach who is more out the door than a hooker when the wife comes home early.

2-4 in their last six games and Chanwick Gailey has absolutely no answers. The offense is pitiful averaging nine points per in their last two games. They show absolutely no inventiveness and zero ability to get the ball down field. They have all about abandoned the wild cat (which may be a good idea since it never produces big plays [Brad Smith awful signing]), Spiller is non existent, I can't recall one trick play nor even a freaking end around for christ sake.

Okay, noodle arm hurts your ability to get the ball down the field but where is the alleged genius Gailey with a plan B or any type of adjustments. Any decent defense has completely shut down the Bills attack and even more so in the second half. They have forty-one total points in the second half in the last six games. 6.8 points on average sounds less like genius and more like incompetence.

Don't even bring up the defense because some how they have been exponentially worse. This defense has less depth than a Republican debate. Kellen Heard, Danny Batten, Alex Carrington, have these guys ever made a play? What was the plan B for when Shawne Merriman inevitably went down with an injury? Did Buddy Nix have any confidence what so ever that the Bills would even be competitive in 2011?

The parroted knock on the team even when they were 3-0 was that they were extremely vulnerable if any type of injuries occurred. Well, this is the National Football League and every team gets injuries and of course the Bills now have a ton with no NFL caliber players as back ups.

Sure maybe Nix and co. need more than two seasons to rebuild a team after being bombed out and depleted like Afghanistan under uhhh no GM and Jauron for several years. But the drafting under Nix has been putrid at best. Spiller has been discussed ad nauseum but the next play Torell Troup makes will be his first, Carrington has two career sacks, Moats has .5 this season and well um that does it for 2010. As for 2011, it isn't really fair to rip them apart but Dareus is clearly no N. Suh while no one else has made a discernible contribution.

Also, where has Stevie "get drunk on Chippewa on Thursday and miss practice Friday" Johnson been lately? I seriously question whether this guy is worth resigning and certainly doubt paying him $50 million now.

Fire George Edwards yesterday, blow up the defense, get some NFL caliber receivers, either figure away to use Spiller or trade him, get a grinder running back, extend Fred Jackson's contract and get some legit depth on the o-line.

OUCH

Buffalo Sabres 3 Monreal Candiens 2 F SO

by Steve

The Sabres marched into the Bell Centre in Montreal and won their fourth straight (@ Montreal) in a ballsy win. They headed into the third period down two and just took over. This was a great win by a team that 100% embarrassed themselves on Saturday night.

It wasn't a must win game for Buffalo but a quick bounce back victory helps to heal the wounds of an ugly thrashing at the hands of the Bruins. The Sabres dominated in the shoot out tonight after an up and down over time where both teams had to kill power plays.

Additional insights:

• Lindy Ruff actually shortened his bench and played his "stars" more than a couple of 4th line scrubs, rare. And what do you know, it worked.
  
• I hate Erik Cole's face.
• Thomas Vanek is a man beast
• Everyone loves to hate Derek Roy and hates to love him (if there is a difference) buy the guy is super talented and has a good contract even if he is soft.
• Surprisingly the Montreal fans were a no show, maybe it is because the Sabres absolutely owned the third period scoring two goals to tie it.
• Why again did the Sabres sign Christian Ehrhoff to a million year contract?
• I wouldn't mind giving Nathan Gerbe a bit more ice time.
• Carey Price ever participate in a shoot out before?
• Why the hell is Ville Leino always laying on the ice?
• Sekera and Gragnani, not a bad pairing even if a bit shaky in their own zone.
• Tyler Myers who? I kid I kid.
• Will Jhonas Enroth ever lose ever?
  

Season's Over

-Coast

Well, it took me until November 13, 2011 to put the wraps on the 2011 season. I wrote my Season's Over blog on September 13, 2010 last season so I guess this is an improvement.

Boy, was I naive? This team is not talented. As always, the Bills set us up for nothing but disappointment. I don't even know where to begin on today's events. I can't think of a time where I have seen a team get so thoroughly outplayed for 8 straight quarters. Were we really 5-2 before the last 2 games? It truly is hard to believe.

Let's begin with the defense. The Bills have so many problems. They can't rush the passer, not even close. They couldn't stop the run either. Demarco Murray had 20 carries for 135 yards. Draft bust Torell Troupe, where are you? The 2nd round pick from 2010 is only one of many draft choices not contributing. Romo literally was not touched today. The Bills also can't cover anyone. Their cornerbacks just aren't good enough. Want to talk about draft busts? Let's talk about Loedis McKelvin. He was completely abused by Dez Bryant. Terrance McGee is just soft. He always has been and always will be. Florence got smoked on a long touchdown bomb. I am not sure if there was supposed to be safety help. I hope there was for his sake. Romo threw 3 incomplete passes all day...23-26 for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dallas scored a TD on their first 4 drives. They converted every 3rd down attempt in the first half. I am sure it was the easiest day of Tony Romo's career. It really just made me sick to watch.

The offense was nearly as bad. I will say, I am not going to give up faith on Ryan Fitzpatrick yet, but there is no hiding the fact that he had a terrible game. He missed Donald Jones wide open in the middle of the field on a long pass that could have resulted in a touchdown. There are a few things working against Fitzpatrick though. First, his receivers just aren't good enough. Stevie Johnson is a solid starting NFL receiver but the inability to get him the ball of late has been disappointing. Donald Jones just is not good enough to be starting in this league. I thought he made a poor play on the ball on the 4th and 2 play. He also dropped a pass that led to an interception. Jones is an average player, simple as that. David Nelson is solid but he isn't exactly going to stretch the field. Cliff Spiller continues to keep himself solidly on the draft bust list. He is a non factor on offense. 1 carry 1 yard. He also had a chance to make a big play but dropped a well thrown pass.

Now I will get to coaching. I really have loved Chan Gailey. I gave him the benefit of the doubt last week. I figured everyone can have a bad game. Two in a row though, that is a trend. I thought Gailey had another terrible game. First off all, you are a head coach in the National Football League, know the damn rules. That challenge in the beginning of the 2nd half was embarrassing. If he (or anyone in the booth) actually knew the rules, it was obvious not to challenge. Instead, we just blew a timeout. Gailey's play calling on offense is starting to really bother me. On 2nd and 8 we run a screen to Jackson. It doesn't work. So on 3rd and 8 what do we do? Run the same play. It doesn't work. We don't try to stretch the field. We can't figure out any way to get Spiller the ball. We are throwing low percentage passes to an undersized average receiver on 4th down. There were also a number of blown blocking assignments today. How does the best pass rusher in the NFL come unblocked on the first play of the game? You have to blame coaching. George Edwards' defense has been awful now for 27 games. Can he really keep his job? I do give some credit for the INTs. His guys have been in position to make big plays. Ultimately though, you need to be able to stop someone without taking the football away. We obviously can't. The Cowboys were 8-12 on 3rd downs. The Jets were 6-11 last week.

Finally I need to comment on management. I mentioned draft busts earlier. Buddy Nix's first two draft picks look like wasted picks. Spiller is a complete not factor. Troupe is a non factor. Carrington has made some plays, but not many. Nix wanted to build through the draft. He is not doing a very good job in doing that. How good is Dareus? I didn't really see him out there today. Our secondary is in desperate need of help. Aaron Williams has been hurt. Searcy had two chances to make plays today. He made 0. Sheppard might be good, but it's too early to tell. The fact is, you must hit on your high draft picks. Nix is going to be 2-4 in first and 2nd rounders at best. In reality, our team has been carried by guys that were brought in before Nix took over this football team.

The Bills play Miami next week. The line has opened at Miami -1. That is what we have fallen to. The 2-7 Miami Dolphins are favored over the Bills with Matt Moore as their quarterback. I think realistically if the Bills can finish 8-8 it would be an accomplishment at this point. They do have home games against the Broncos and Titans along with Miami in December. They probably will need to win all of those games to finish .500.

Well...there's always 2012.

Week 10 NFL picks

The semi-pro NFL gamblers are back, here are our picks for week ten of the national football league 2011 season

Steve 22-19 (3-5)

Atlanta pick (Home v New Orleans)
Arizona +14 (Away v Philadelphia)
Seattle +7 (Home v Baltimore)
Jacksonville -3 (Away v Indianapolis)
NY Jets pick (Home v New England)

Wreck 22-16-2 (3-5)

Tampa Bay +3.5 (Home v Houston)
Atlanta pick (Home v New Orleans)
Kansas City (Home v Denver)
Cleveland -2.5 (Home v St Louis)
San Francisco -3.5 (Home v NY Giants)

Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys podcast

Steve and Coast put the debacle that was the Jets game to bed and look ahead to the rest of the season and break down the Dallas Cowboys affair coming up in Arlington.

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The Season IS NOT OVER

-Coast

People need to calm the F down. This talk about the Buffalo Bills season being over is completely ridiculous. Teams have bad games. The Jets aren't a slouch. It isn't like we showed up and got smoked by the Rams (ie. the Saints). Even super bowl teams have BAD GAMES.

• Week 2 1990 - Dolphins 30 Bills 7
• Week 6 1991 - Chiefs 33 Bills 6
• In 1992, the Bills lost three games 37-10, 20-3 and 27-3 to the Dolphins, Raiders and Oilers respectively
• In 1993, the Bills lost 23-0 in Pittsburgh. They were out gained in this game 400-157

What do all these teams have in common? They went to the Super Bowl. What else do they have in common? The Bills beat the Dolphins in the playoffs in 1990. The Bills beat the Chiefs in the playoffs in 1991. The Bills beat Miami and Houston in the playoffs in 1992.

Teams have bad games and also teams can avenge bad losses. The Bills certainly can beat the Jets in Jersey in 3 weeks. (Further, see the NY Jets in 2010)

Also, talk about Fitz being terrible is premature, ridiculous and just not warranted. I am not going to waste my time checking Brady, Manning, Kelly, Marino, Elway or any other HOF QB's stats because it is guaranteed they had halves and games like Fitz had Sunday.

The fact about Fitz is that he is on pace for 3,860 yards, 30 touchdowns and 18 interceptions on the season. You know how many times Kelly threw for 3,860? Zero. What about 30 touchdowns? Once. What about 18 interceptions? He threw at least 18 interceptions 4 times. Fitz has a 65.4% completion percentage this season. Kelly had a completion percentage this high...Zero times.

Fans need to relax. The Bills are having a great season. No one expected them to be 5-3. Let's enjoy where they are and be excited for the 2nd half.

Buffalo Bills: Time To Die?

by Steve

Well, at least Buffalo Bills fans got one important game to attend in the month of November. Is it too late to suck for Luck? I don't even feel like breaking down the Colts schedule. Maybe we can jones for Landry Jones or bark for Matt Barkley?

We aren't winning shit with Ryan Fitzy Fitz noodle arm let's face it. The guy was thoroughly out played by a mediocre Mark Sanchize at home. This embarrassing defeat at the hands of the NY Jets dooms the season. True we don't have a mashing running back that can get the tough yards and no game changing wide receivers but there are some weapons on offense. Too bad we don't know or just can't figure out how to use them. Where were the throws down field? The middle of the field was taken away because ol' noodle arm raining picks in the first half but jeez where was Tyler Thigpen to at least try?

5 and 3 is the biggest mirage in this town since Ryan Millsie Miller's Vezina winning season of 2009/10. The head coach, who Stevie Johnson today admitted he never even heard of before signing here is a mediocrity at best. He lacks imagination, is not a winner and he is in over his head.

The Bills play the next three games on the road and will be lucky to be returning to Ralph Wilson Stadium above .500. 7-9 or 8-8 is a lock right now and in reality it won't be that bad of a season. I had us going 6-10 before the year started so a game or two above that beats my expectations. Plus, we got some false hope and a great victory over the Patriots along the way.

Is there any way a FB/QB hybrid via a trade for TRT could work next season? Because as we know, "there's always next year"

Jets Dominate Bills 27-11

-Coast

The Bills got smoked today by the Jets 27-11 and it wasn't even that close. The Jets led 27-3 until a late touchdown for Buffalo made the final score seem less embarrassing. The Jets came out and completely outplayed Buffalo in all three phases. The Jets looked the part of a true playoff contender and showed why they were a part of the past two AFC Championship games.

Alright Bills fans, let's all give up on the season. The Bills had an awful game. Their $60 million quarterback had an awful game so I guess it is time to start ripping him. That is what we do, after all, isn't it? We wait for the first opportunity to start criticizing and we take full advantage. Fred Jackson was getting chants of MVP today early in the game. Later in the game, after his fumble, some fans were probably wondering where Marshawn Lynch is. That is how Bills fans are. I used to be like that as well. It is hard not to be after watching this past decade of losing.

Some of the naysayers will point to 2002. The rejuvenated Bills, led by MVP candidate Drew Bledsoe, came home to face the defending world champion Patriots at 5-3 and in first place. The Bills and Bledsoe were the talk of the league. The rival Patriots trounced the Bills 35-7 which began the downward spiral in that season. Others will point to 2008, when the first place Bills came home at 5-2 and got handed by the Jets. The Bills fell on their face the rest of that season.

I don't think this team is going to go in the same direction as those teams in years past. I have felt something different about this team this year and I am not going to jump off the wagon after one bad game. I am simply going to point to the facts. The Bills are 5-3 and in a three way tie for first place in the AFC East. We beat the Patriots this season. If you told me just those two sentences in August, I would have signed up in a heartbeat. The Bills are right in the middle of the AFC playoff race. The Bills, Jets and Patriots are 5-3. The Ravens or Steelers will have their third loss. The Bengals, shockingly, are 6-2. We are in for an exciting 2nd half to the season.

Today, the Jets were the better team, no question. The Bills have a lot of issues that they need to address, but I am 100% not going to bail on this team yet, like many people probably are.

Go Bills, beat Dallas.

Week 9 NFL picks

Need some gambling locks for week 9 in the NFL? You're in luck:

Steve
20-16 Best Bet 2-5

Tampa Bay +8.5 (Away v New Orleans)
Atlanta -7.5 (Away v Indianapolis)
Kansas City -4.5 (Home V Miami)
San Francisco -4 (Away v Washington)
St Louis +2.5 (Away v Arizona)

Wreck
19-14-2 Best Bet 3-4

San Diego +6 (Home v Green Bay)
Buffalo -2.5 (Home v NY Jets)
Chicago +7.5 (Away v Philadelphia)
NY Giants +8.5 (Away v New England)
Seattle +11 (Away v Dallas)

Get Ready for a Great Buffalo Sports Weekend

by Steve

Granted the Buffalo Sabres are still in preseason and the season doesn't start til January (maybe Feb if the Bills are in the Superbowl) but they are home tonight against Cal-gary, Ryan Millsie Mr Softee Miller is riding the pine (hopefully being auctioned off to the highest bidder [quibids.com or maybe ubid.com hopefully]) and Enroth is taking over as the starter. They also play the piece of shit Senators and the game Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is going to be a powderkeg.

I'm predicting a 2-1 weekend (Sabres lose Saturday with Enroth being lifted for POS Millsie) even though I am hesitant to pick against the Jets. White out bitches bring the noise, bring the white and bring an ol Sanchize obituary Sunday.

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills podcast

Steve and Coast reflect on the state of the Bills, their win in Toronto against the Redskins and breakdown the NY Jets game

Podcast Powered By Podbean

(right click save as to download)

White out at the Ralph Sunday 11/6

by Steve

The Buffalo Bills are wearing all white jerseys at home on Sunday for the first time in twenty-five years and apparently there is a grass roots effort going on to get everyone in the stadium to wear all white.

It is tough to determine exactly where this all started but signs are pointing to Drayton Florence, "#WHITEOUT Sunday at the Ralph Everyone wear all white"

Now basically every player on the team that is on twitter is adding #whiteouttheralph and #whiteout on every tweet. (Even Shawne Merriman[who?] weighed in " @shawnemerriman Man I'm going to miss that #whiteout Sunday sweetness") It makes sense since we're wearing all white and I have a white Stevie Johnson jersey. Everyone else gear up in all white Sunday so we can fuck up the Jets and not censor our selves against those dirty Jets fans.

Anyone have a white Bills cap I can borrow? #whiteout #WHITEOUTTHERALPH

Week 9 Buffalo Bills Power Rankings compilation

Weekly compilation of the Buffalo Bills power rankings by the "major" sports websites. The Bills lowest ranking was 10 highest is 5. A lot of playoff chatter and a shot about Toronto, enjoy.

Foxsports
6 (8)
Hard to judge the Bills by the beatdown of the Redskins, but the Buffalo defense finally stepped up with nine sacks[sic] (they had 10). The Bills now host the Jets to truly legitimize their status as a playoff caliber team. Earlier it was thought that they would have to compete for a wild-card spot, but they may be competing for a division championship.

ESPN
7 (7)
It's November, and the first-place Bills control of their playoff destiny. Who would have thought?

SI
6 (7)
Meaningful Novembers have been scarce in Bills-dom for a long while now, but Buffalo has the division lead and can put another brick in the wall this week at home against the Jets. The Bills have to have this one, because a three-game road trip to Dallas, Miami and the Jets looms at the start of the second half.

PFT
10. Bills (No. 13; 5-2): The Bills are finally getting comfortable in their home away from home.


Walterfootball
5 (5)
The Bills just had another bye week


Yahoosports
8
Reports of the demise of the 2011 Buffalo Bills were greatly exaggerated. Buffalo is going to play a big part in the AFC East division race.